Beans and Carbohydrates

Question
Hello, I am looking to cut down on my carb intake, my question is about beans and fruit, really.  I notice that fruit and beans both for the most part contain very high carbohydrates.  Now are these good or bad carbohydrates, will they make me gain or lose weight?  Also, with beans I know there has been talk about a white bean protein extract that helps prevent carbs from turning into sugars and being undigestible, so do most beans contain this and is this why you along with a healthy diet can lose weight while eating beans?

Answer
Hello Heather,

My question is, why are you looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake?
If you are trying to lose weight, remember that fat has more than twice the calories as carbohydrates and can also be much less filling.

Fruit and beans are loaded with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  I have heard of the carb-blocking extract you are speaking of, but I'm not sure eating beans would accomplish the same effect.  Frankly these are two of the last foods I would cut out of my diet.

In my opinion, "bad" carbs are those which provide next to zero nutritional value: sugar, soda, candies and cakes. If you cut down on these foods there will be plenty of room in your diet to enjoy fruit and beans and get the healthy benefits they provide.

Feel free to contact me again with any future questions!
laurie

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